In geography, the emphasis is on physical, social and economic geography with special reference to India?s agricultural and natural resources. D.R. Khullar?s India is a useful book that contains the information you need. You must consult an atlas too. The pattern of questions changes from one year to the other. If there is an accent on physical geography in one year, it shifts to economic geography in another year. There are also questions asking candidates to identify correct positions in the maps. Usually, there are 20 to 25 questions on geography.

Questions on Indian polity relate to the Indian Constitution, the panchayati raj and the social system. Quite obviously, the Constitution occupies the centre stage here. It is important to have a good idea of the Constitution. D.D. Basu?s An Introduction to the Indian Constitution is a classic and is very helpful. One may also consult S.Kashyap?s Our Constitution or M.V. Pylee?s Indian Constitution. Other questions on politics can be tackled if one reads the newspapers regularly and carefully.

Books to consult

There is a segment on Indian economic developments. A general idea about Indian economy is necessary. The budget needs to be studied carefully. The annual economic survey presented by the Union government is another document that may be consulted with profit. A useful book here is Indian Economy by Datt & Sundaram or by Mishra & Puri . Every year, the Publication Division publishes a compendium of facts on India entitled India. This is an indispensable companion volume. Other government publications which ought to be consulted are Yojana and Kurukshetra. These would provide most of the information about the Indian economy.

Another important section tests the candidates? reasoning and analytical abilities. For this, one may consult books on verbal and non-verbal reasoning. A popular book is the one by Aggarwal. Eysenck?s books on IQ may also help. In this section, there are sometimes questions on elementary statistics and arithmetic. The standard is usually that of Class X. The section looks formidable to the uninitiated, but all it requires is a little guidance and practice.

Read the right things

Finally, there are questions on topics of current affairs. Any student preparing for competitive examinations usually keeps abreast with current developments in the national and international spheres. The trick is to read newspapers regularly. Read at least one national newspaper and, if possible, a periodical like the Frontline. It is useful to start a personal clipping service. When you read the newspaper/s, mark what you consider to be significant and then cut and paste them on a register. This may serve as a handy reference later. You should also subscribe to a professional magazine like the Civil Services Chronicle.

The general studies paper, it would appear from the outline I have sketched, is pretty comprehensive. One has to be familiar with the basics that a liberal education seeks to impart, and perhaps more. What is important is to properly appreciate the scope of the paper. Since the test is based on multiple choice questions, it is absolutely imperative that one is used to this format.

Try and be exposed to as many questions as you can. The professional manuals will help you in this. They contain hundreds of questions. Some questions will simply test your knowledge/information levels. But some questions seek to test your understanding and your ability to apply your knowledge as well.

sample test paper

Which of the following places will have a time behind the GMT:
1.Johannesburg 2.Bombay 3. Los Angeles 4. Montreal
a) 1 & 2
b) 2 & 4
c) 1 & 4
d) 3 & 4

An important feature of the balance of India’s foreign trade is that:
a) it is usually negative
b) it is usually positive
c) it keeps changing from positive to negative
d) it is always in favour of India

If the governor of a state wishes to relinquish his office before the expiry of his term, he has to address his resignation to:
a) The chief minister of the state
b) The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly
c) The President of India
d) The Prime Minister

According to the 1991 census, the density of population in West Bengal is:
a) 467 b) 567 c) 667 d) 767

Announcement
•The notification for Civil service 2005 was published in the Employment News of December 4, 2004.

•Last date for receiving completed application forms is January 3, 2005.

• Date of preliminary exam: May 15, 2005